Police still working to identify body

One month on, police still working to identify Gulf Harbour body

A month after the body of a woman was found in the sea off Gulf Harbour, police investigating the alleged homicide said they were working hard to identify the victim and hold to account those responsible.

Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, of Waitematā CIB, said police have issued a “black notice”, through the international police agency Interpol, requesting assistance and cooperation from counterparts abroad in identifying the woman, whose body was found wrapped in plastic bags by a fisherman on March 12.

Interpol’s colour-coded notices are international requests for cooperation, or alerts, allowing police in the agency’s 196 member countries to share crime-related information. Black notices are issued in cases where Interpol member countries are seeking information on an unidentified body.

“Police are continuing to liaise with our overseas counterparts and our inquiries are continuing,” Williams said. “Our team are also engaging with a number of NZ Police liaison officers in regards to this matter.”

Williams reiterated that the investigation was a complex one.

“We appreciate there are still many questions the community has in relation to this investigation and we can assure you our team is working to find those answers. Police will continue to provide further updates as our investigation allows.”

Earlier, police reported that a DNA profile of the woman had been obtained, but did not match anyone in their records. The woman was wearing patterned blue pyjama pants and a singlet, bearing a logo from a Chinese manufacturer.

Williams thanked members of the public who had come forward with information since an initial appeal. A dedicated phone line remains open – 0800 755 021 – to enable callers to speak directly to the investigation team.

Information can also be provided via the police 105 phone service, anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 (click on “Update report” and cite reference number 240312/9837).